Does cybercrime hurt the everyman most? A wave of cyberattacks have hit some of the world’s biggest companies. Experts say they come from a surprising source: children.
Teenage hackers causing global chaos
Frequent disruption: Heathrow Airport was the latest British institution hit by a cyber-attack this weekend, although the culprits are still unknown. Comprehension quiz
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The word “incomprehensible” means:
A: Easy to understand
B: Simple to perform
C: Impossible to understand
D: Secretly carried out
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Which word is the closest synonym for “unscrupulous”?
A: Honest
B: Unethical
C: Careful
D: Generous
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According to the article, what is the main motivation for the teenage hackers in the Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters group?
A: To make a political point
B: To gain money for themselves
C: To help smaller businesses
D: To show off their skills
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Some hackers do not use their skills to cause harm. What is the two-word term used in the article for these types of people?
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In your own words, summarise who suffers from the cyberattacks on large companies like Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).
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Why does the author begin the article by referencing the novel The Midwich Cuckoos?
A: To argue that modern teenagers are more dangerous than previous generations.
B: To suggest that science fiction novels are the best way to understand technology.
C: To introduce the theme of older generations fearing the unique and poorly understood abilities of the young.
D: To compare the hackers’ goal of financial gain with the cuckoos’ desire for control.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. C 2. B 3. D 4. Ethical hackers 5. The article states that the company itself suffers financially (JLR lost £1bn), smaller businesses in the supply chain are affected, employees (200,000 jobs are linked with JLR) stand to suffer, and ordinary people are the biggest losers because their personal data can be stolen by criminals. 6. C
1. C 2. B 3. D 4. Ethical hackers 5. The article states that the company itself suffers financially (JLR lost £1bn), smaller businesses in the supply chain are affected, employees (200,000 jobs are linked with JLR) stand to suffer, and ordinary people are the biggest losers because their personal data can be stolen by criminals. 6. C
Glossary
John Wyndham - An English science fiction writer who died in 1969.
Royal Mail - The UK's main postal service provider.
British Library - The UK's national library and home to the Magna Carta.
Robin Hoods - A legendary heroic outlaw found in English folklore and culture. He is known for stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
United Nations - An international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world.
The everyman - Ordinary, typical people.